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Discover the vicinity of Katla - stage six of The Volcanic Way

The vicinity of Katla is recognized by its vast black sands. While the volcano itself is hiding under thick layers of ice, its surrounding glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, is a majestic sight. Katla erupted at least twenty times from the year 930 until 1918, producing the characteristic ash, or black sand, people so long to see. A glacier activity on Sólheimajökull glacier, a visit to Reynisfjara beach, and the unique Icelandic Lava Show are unforgettable ways to enjoy this region. Despite being a popular region for tourists, the area also holds a great diversity of quiet spots and accessible hikes.

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Activities - Katla

Katlatrack
Katlatrack was estabilished in the spring of 2009 with the goal of providing diverse forms of recreation in the south of Iceland. The founder of Katlatrack is born and bred in Mýrdalur in the county o…
True Adventure
True Adventure Paragliding Imagine soaring through the air, feeling the wind rush past you and the world fall away beneath your feet. That's the passion that drives us at True Adventure. We're on a mi…
Zipline Iceland
Zipline adventure in Vík Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Vík! Ziplining through Grafargil is an absolute must-do for thrill-seekers. You'll embark on a heart-pumping hike through the stunn…
Icelandic Lava Show
Icelandic Lava Show is the first and only live lava show in the world. The show is located at Víkurbraut 5 in the beautiful village of Vík on the South Coast, in the heart of Katla UNESCO Global Geopa…

Accommodation - Katla

Þakgil Camping Ground
Þakgil is located in a beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains, 20 km from Vík by road 214. These conditions make the weather in Þakgil  very mild and calm, and a lovely little freshwater stream tri…
Hotel Vík í Mýrdal
In an impeccable South Iceland hotel location, with striking views of the cliffs, the sea and the Reynisdrangar rock pillars, Hotel Vík í Mýrdal has provided a warm welcome to visitors for decades. Ou…
Hótel Kría
Hotel Kría is a new hotel opened during the summer of 2018 in the charming town of Vík in Mýrdalur Valley. The Hotel features beautifully decorated rooms in a prime location on the South Coast of Icel…
Mið-Hvoll Cottages
We have seven cozy cottages for rent with everything you need for a pleasant stay in a peaceful area. The location is perfect for those who want to spend a couple of days exploring the South part of I…

Learn about Lava

The Lava Show is a unique, live lava show located in Vík. The show begins with an opening from the show‘s host and a short educational video before the show takes the audience 100 years back in time with a dramatic story about the catastrophic Katla volcano eruption in 1918.

The highlight of the show is when the lava starts pouring into the showroom. The bright orange color as the lava starts flowing into the room is like sunrise, and as the lava starts gliding over ice, it starts to bubble and crackle. The most surprising aspect, however, is the intense heat that radiates from the lava, and the temperature in the showroom quickly rises. 

Soon after the lava flows into the room, the show‘s host starts playing with the lava, explaining the different aspects of it and what it really was that you just witnessed. As the lava continues to cool down, the host is able to demonstrate some really interesting aspects and wonders of lava and encourages the audience into an interactive Q&A session.

Volcanic Wisdom

Sub-glacial volcanoes, like Katla, are situated beneath ice caps, leading to unique eruption dynamics. During the 1918 eruption, Katla's immense heat caused the rapid melting of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, resulting in a massive glacial flood. These floods, known as jökulhlaups, are a defining feature of sub-glacial eruptions, as immense volumes of meltwater accumulate beneath the ice, eventually breaking free and surging downstream. The interaction of magma with ice also generates ash-rich eruptions, which can blanket the surrounding landscape.

During the 1918 eruption, Katla's immense heat caused the rapid melting of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, resulting in a massive glacial flood.

Fun fact: The caldera of Katla, which covers an area of around 100 km², is roughly the same size as the city of Paris, France. This illustrates the volcano's immense scale!

 

Katla volcano

Katla volcano rests under Mýrdalsjökull glacier - photograph by Páll Jökull Pétursson

The Stages of The Volcanic Way

1. Fagradalsfjall
Located in Reykjanes Peninsula, a captivating geological wonderland where the raw power of nature is on full display.
2. Hengill
As you reach the vicinity of Hengill, you will start noticing steam rising from hills, mountains, and even within the town of Hveragerði.
3. Hekla
Hekla has been dubbed the Queen of Iceland’s volcanoes. The one that has erupted most frequently in recent years;
4. Eyjafjallajökull
Eyjafjallajökull is an ice-capped volcano that famously erupted in 2010, its ash cloud affecting air traffic widely in Europe.
5. Eldfell
One fateful night in 1973, the people of Westman islands woke up to a volcanic eruption at the edge of the town.
6. Katla
The vicinity of Katla is recognized by its vast black sands. While the volcano itself is hiding under thick layers of ice, its surrounding glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, is a majestic sight.
7. Lakagígar
The vast lava fields of the Lakiagígar region can seem otherworldly. Two significant volcanic eruptions produced these mystical landscapes:
8. Öræfajökull
Vatnajökull glacier is everpresent as you explore the easternmost part of The Volcanic Way. Its highest peak is Öræfajökull, a stratovolcano at Vatnajökull's southern edge
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers for anyone traveling The Volcanic Way